Cloth Diapers 101: Types of Diapers

After deciding to cloth diaper there are many things to consider. The first think to consider is what type of cloth diaper to use. Cloth diapers have definitely come a long way since our grandmothers were diapering our parents. There are various types of cloth diapers. 

Flats & Profolds

Flats and prefolds are the diapers our grandparents used back in the day and are the most economical options when it comes to cloth diapering. Both are square pieces of cloth the only difference is that prefolds are divided into three sections and the middle section in the most absorbent. Flats and prefolds require a diaper cover to be waterproof.  

Contours

Contour diapers are much like flats and fitted, however, they are shaped and do not have to be folded. These diapers are sized so you would have to by multiple sizes as your baby grows. These also need a waterproof cover.

 Fitteds

 These are diapers that are shaped just like AIO’s or pockets that can have attached absorbent layers or inserts but does not have a waterproof layer. Therefore a diaper cover is needed in order for fitted to be waterproof. These are my personal favorites for when we are at home and at night. Fitteds are the best option for heavy wetters.

All-In-Ones

These diapers are similar to disposable diapers and are the easiest to use. There is no folding and these diapers do not have to be stuffed with an insert. This type of diaper has a waterproof outer layer.

All-In-Twos/Hybrids

These are my favorite type of diapers to use when we're traveling because AI2/Hybrids take up less space. The insert just snaps in and the same cover can be reused. Disposable inserts can also be used with these diapering systems. These diapers have a waterproof outer layer.

 Pockets

 These diapers have a small opening where inserts can be stuffed. You can change this diaper's absorbency by simply adding or removing an insert. These diapers have a waterproof layer.

Movie Night Discussion

This past Sunday after I completed all of my assignments for school my family and I finally watched Frozen and Despicable Me 2. Both movies were great, but Despicable Me 2 had more of a cool factor. Bunny lost interest in Frozen after about 20 minutes , but paid full attention to Despicable Me 2. I'm pretty sure the music was a big factor. Bunny wasn't feeling "Let It Go". Pharrell Williams and PitBull's music is more appealing to my dancing baby. She was definitely feeling the groove.  Despicable Me 2 was my favorite of the two, however, it was so refreshing that the "selfless act of true love" in Frozen wasn't the norm for Disney animated movies. 

I grew up with Disney and developed a love for Disney movies but Disney movies are so predictable, princess is in distress, princess is saved by the prince, true love conquers all evil, someone learns a lesson and somewhere in the midst of it all the main character is orphaned. I'm not sure what Disney has against parents especially mothers. I know adversity create great stories and makes the audience sympathize with the main character or hero, but why do the mother's have to be sacrificed?  I may be a little bias but I think mothers are pretty cool. In Despicable Me the three little girls are orphans, but it's a little different since they gain parents in the end.

My favorite Disney movie has been Mulan for the past 16 years. Mulan wasn't a helpless princess in need of rescue, she had both parents and she kicked Hun booty. I was so over Cinderella after my aunt took me to see Mulan. I love that over the years Disney has moved to release animated movies like Lilo and Stitch and Brave that have less undertones of sexism. Now if they would just stop killing off parents. Brave was a step in the right direction even though for much of the movie Merida's mother was a bear.  

I'm not anti-Disney and I still enjoy the Disney classics. It's just time for a change. I'm looking forward to Disney's release of Moana in a few years. I'm hoping that Disney doesn't kill off her parents.

Does Your Son Talk?!?!?!

After my son was born it took me a week to decipher his cries. I know his "pick me up" cry from his "I'm hungry" cry from his "get this diaper off of me now" cry. When he started making noise I even understood his made up words and new what they meant. We have never really had a problem communicating with each other. I have been told that Awesome does not talk like a three year old. I was worried for a minute because I thought maybe since I'm around him the most I had missed something. Maybe my understanding of "Aaronenes" made me unable to notice that there was a problem. At his 36 month appointment his pediatrician assured me that Awesome A was on the right track I felt better, but I still did a little research. Awesome A communicates with his dad and I efficiently and effectively for his age in my opinion; however, Awesome A doesn't communicate the same with others the way he communicates with my husband and I. It's even communicates with me differently than he does with his dad.

A few days ago I sat down and made a list of all the words Awesome A knows. I looked at my list of 400+ words and was satisfied. The average three year old knows 350 words and Awesome just three last month. He knows numbers, body parts, colors, names of animals, and a little psychological terminology (sometimes the stories I make up involve topics I read about in a psychology textbook or journal). I understand him the majority of the time (he sometimes makes up words) and he understands when I tell him things (even though he doesn't always listen).

My son is a lot like my husband and I. When I was younger I did not talk to others like I talked to my immediate family. As an adult I'm pretty much the same. I'm an introvert who can fake extrovertism really well. My husband is not much of a talker either. I guess we're just a quiet family, but I have a feeling Bunny will be the exception. 

Cloth Diapers 101: Why I chose to cloth diaper

I started researching cloth diapers right after I had my son, but did not receive a many positive responses from friends and family members when I told them about my "bright idea". I gave up the idea until one day I was changing Awesome A and his bottom was covered in little crystals. These crystals were from the diaper and I Googled to find out exactly what kind of substance had made contact with my baby's skin. I found out that disposable diapers contain sodium polyacrylate, a powder that turns into gel-like crystals when it absorbs liquid. Although this chemical is non-toxic it can cause mild to severe skin irritation and can cause mild respiratory problems with sodium polyacrylate is inhaled while in its powder form.
Some disposable diapers also contain dioxin, a toxin that has been linked to various reproductive, developmental and immune system issues.  

After finding out this information I searched for less toxic diaper  solution without transitioning to cloth diapers. That solution was a dye free unbleached diaper. These were not cute diapers and a case of these eco-friendly diapers cost about $44  for a case.  By the end of Awesome A's first year we had spent about $1200 on diapers and wipes. We are very thankful for family members and friends who shipped us diapers.  

When I became pregnant with Bunny I was dead set on cloth diapering. I researched and starting buying cloth diapers for my stash. I have been using cloth diapers for almost a year and I love them. I even use cloth training pants on Awesome A. I love having a cute non-toxic diapering option.`Cloth diapering works for me, but it's not for everyone. 

Spray Pal

So... there is a cloth diaper product that I've been eyeing for a while now. I've read review after review for this product and I'm still undecided. It's the Spray Pal, a splatter shield to use when spraying soiled diapers. It looks like a binder with a clipboard and I'm not sure it's really worth $25. I currently use flushable diaper liners, but sometimes I forget to put one in Bunny's diaper and that is usually when she has a blowout. I'm really considering purchasing this item. If any of you have used one or have another item or method for spraying diapers leave a comment.